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Flora Maguire Mysteries #5
Death on a Train
1905 London is a heady mix of unimaginable wealth and simmering political tensions, and with war looming, all Flora Maguire wants is to keep her family safe.
But when a body is found on a train bound for Paddington and her beloved charge Viscount Edward Trent is accused of murder, she's determined not to leave the investigation to the police. Flora has trodden the path of amateur sleuth before, but with so much at stake, this time it’s personal.
Slowly the body of the victim starts giving up its secrets, and Flora and her husband Bunny become mired in a murky world of spies, communists and fraudsters. And with the police more sure than ever that Edward is their murderer, Flora must work fast, if she’s going to save him, and ensure a murderer doesn’t remain on the loose!
An absolutely gripping cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of T.E. Kinsey, Verity Bright, and Helena Dixon.
Previously published as The Bloomsbury Affair.
Readers love the Flora Maguire ‘I thought it really evoked the era. And the atmosphere of an ocean-going cruise lent itself well to a murder scene. And you can quote me on that!’ FAITH MARTIN.
‘Wow! I was kept guessing right to the end. A great read and I will be looking out for more of this author’s work!!!’
‘I’m a big fan of this author’s work, so I was excited to read the first instalment in her new mystery series. It did not disappoint. Along with the sparkling dialogue and likeable characters I have come to expect, I found an intriguing, page-turning whodunnit.’
‘With intrigue heaped upon intrigue [this] is certainly a great whodunnit that kept my attention from start to finish.’
‘This is definitely a 5 star! Highly recommended!’
‘Pulls you in and won’t let go!!!’
But when a body is found on a train bound for Paddington and her beloved charge Viscount Edward Trent is accused of murder, she's determined not to leave the investigation to the police. Flora has trodden the path of amateur sleuth before, but with so much at stake, this time it’s personal.
Slowly the body of the victim starts giving up its secrets, and Flora and her husband Bunny become mired in a murky world of spies, communists and fraudsters. And with the police more sure than ever that Edward is their murderer, Flora must work fast, if she’s going to save him, and ensure a murderer doesn’t remain on the loose!
An absolutely gripping cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of T.E. Kinsey, Verity Bright, and Helena Dixon.
Previously published as The Bloomsbury Affair.
Readers love the Flora Maguire ‘I thought it really evoked the era. And the atmosphere of an ocean-going cruise lent itself well to a murder scene. And you can quote me on that!’ FAITH MARTIN.
‘Wow! I was kept guessing right to the end. A great read and I will be looking out for more of this author’s work!!!’
‘I’m a big fan of this author’s work, so I was excited to read the first instalment in her new mystery series. It did not disappoint. Along with the sparkling dialogue and likeable characters I have come to expect, I found an intriguing, page-turning whodunnit.’
‘With intrigue heaped upon intrigue [this] is certainly a great whodunnit that kept my attention from start to finish.’
‘This is definitely a 5 star! Highly recommended!’
‘Pulls you in and won’t let go!!!’
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2024
106 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Anita Davison
25 books159 followersAuthor of the Flora Maguire Mysteries published by Aria Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 17, 2018
I have been looking forward to reading this book since I put the last Flora and Bunny book down. Thankfully, this did not disappoint with the series moving on smoothly and absorbing me just as much, if not more. The writer makes London in the early 1900's really come to life as well as making our intrepid heroine and her very modern (for the times) husband every bit the couple we are rooting for.
It's the perfect time of year for a Flora Maguire, with the evenings drawing in darker and chillier, this is exactly the kind of book to snuggle up with and lose yourself in!
It's the perfect time of year for a Flora Maguire, with the evenings drawing in darker and chillier, this is exactly the kind of book to snuggle up with and lose yourself in!
December 26, 2018
I have a little confession to make- yes another one. I must admit that I haven’t previously come across Anita Davison nor her lead character Flora Maguire. Now after reading ‘The Bloomsbury Affair’ I am left asking myself ‘why the hell haven’t I come across them before?’. I really enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
I couldn’t help but take to Flora Maguire. She used to be a governess but she is now married and lives rather comfortably with her husband, Bunny. A former charge of hers gets in touch with Flora, regarding the death of his companion on the train. Her former charge is prime suspect. Flora decides to investigate the case and try to ascertain who the murderer is. Flora is feisty, determined, stubborn and she isn’t afraid to make her way in what was then a traditionally male dominated role. I loved the way in which she isn’t easily dissuaded from a course of action. If she decides she is going to do something then she does it and she isn’t easily frightened.
I have to confess that this Ginger Book Geek is a history nerd with a particular interest in Edwardian Britain. I love reading and learning about that period in time. I love the attention to detail with Anita has and she has clearly done a lot of research into that era. So you can understand why this book appealed to me so much. The author uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I had travelled back in time to an era of great interest- to me anyway. If I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was there with all the relevant sights, sounds and smells.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the synopsis. It didn’t take me long at all to get into the story and to take to some of the characters. I was so swept along by the story that I really didn’t realise how quickly the pages were turning or how quickly the time was passing. The first time I checked, I was really surprised to see that I had read about a third of the book and a few hours had gone past. I binge read the book over the course of a couple of days and at times I just didn’t want to put the book down. I had to keep reading because I needed to know if Flora solved the case, if her former charge was innocent and if Flora made it to the end of the book in one piece. The more I got into the story, the quicker the pages turned and the quicker I got through the book.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Bloomsbury Affair’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read what Anita comes up with next but whilst I wait, I will definitely be seeking out the other books in the series and I will definitely be reading them as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I couldn’t help but take to Flora Maguire. She used to be a governess but she is now married and lives rather comfortably with her husband, Bunny. A former charge of hers gets in touch with Flora, regarding the death of his companion on the train. Her former charge is prime suspect. Flora decides to investigate the case and try to ascertain who the murderer is. Flora is feisty, determined, stubborn and she isn’t afraid to make her way in what was then a traditionally male dominated role. I loved the way in which she isn’t easily dissuaded from a course of action. If she decides she is going to do something then she does it and she isn’t easily frightened.
I have to confess that this Ginger Book Geek is a history nerd with a particular interest in Edwardian Britain. I love reading and learning about that period in time. I love the attention to detail with Anita has and she has clearly done a lot of research into that era. So you can understand why this book appealed to me so much. The author uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I had travelled back in time to an era of great interest- to me anyway. If I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was there with all the relevant sights, sounds and smells.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the synopsis. It didn’t take me long at all to get into the story and to take to some of the characters. I was so swept along by the story that I really didn’t realise how quickly the pages were turning or how quickly the time was passing. The first time I checked, I was really surprised to see that I had read about a third of the book and a few hours had gone past. I binge read the book over the course of a couple of days and at times I just didn’t want to put the book down. I had to keep reading because I needed to know if Flora solved the case, if her former charge was innocent and if Flora made it to the end of the book in one piece. The more I got into the story, the quicker the pages turned and the quicker I got through the book.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Bloomsbury Affair’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to read what Anita comes up with next but whilst I wait, I will definitely be seeking out the other books in the series and I will definitely be reading them as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 21, 2018
Historical fiction with a murder mystery brings together two of my favourite genres. This is a later book in the 'Flora Maguire series', but it reads as a standalone. The mystery is created and solved within the book, and any backstory for the characters and their interrelationships is provided in the early chapters.
England in 1905 was characterised by political intrigue and a shifting in the social and gender class systems. This story uses the ethos of unrest to dramatise and authenticate the mystery Flora sets out to investigate. There are lots of historical facts, so the reader is able to step back in time as the story progresses.
Flora's social conscience and independent spirit, make her an intriguing and believable protagonist. Her husband Bunny is an excellent sidekick and the long-suffering Inspector, the essential final ingredient for this type of mystery.
Like all murder mysteries, the plot is twisty and full of false starts, with numerous suspects. The motive behind the mystery is well concealed and trying to decide what really happened is a satisfying experience.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
England in 1905 was characterised by political intrigue and a shifting in the social and gender class systems. This story uses the ethos of unrest to dramatise and authenticate the mystery Flora sets out to investigate. There are lots of historical facts, so the reader is able to step back in time as the story progresses.
Flora's social conscience and independent spirit, make her an intriguing and believable protagonist. Her husband Bunny is an excellent sidekick and the long-suffering Inspector, the essential final ingredient for this type of mystery.
Like all murder mysteries, the plot is twisty and full of false starts, with numerous suspects. The motive behind the mystery is well concealed and trying to decide what really happened is a satisfying experience.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 21, 2018
1905 and a viscount is on the Cheltenham train when he discovers his companion has been murdered. His cousins are Flora and Bunny and after what happened he looks to them for help. Like some other historical- mystery novels, this one gets straight into the action. The descriptions are very vividly detailed and the characters are well fleshed out. I felt like I was there and was following Flora on this whodunit search.
This is the first book I have reviewed by Anita Davison and understand there are four previous books. It helped me that events from the previous books were referred to as I was able to get some backstory and information on previous events and apply that to the story in this book to understand it better. A well-rounded and engaging standalone novel. I hope to also see how the other books fit into the series as a whole.
Thanks to Anita Davison and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a slot on the blog tour for this title.
This is the first book I have reviewed by Anita Davison and understand there are four previous books. It helped me that events from the previous books were referred to as I was able to get some backstory and information on previous events and apply that to the story in this book to understand it better. A well-rounded and engaging standalone novel. I hope to also see how the other books fit into the series as a whole.
Thanks to Anita Davison and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a slot on the blog tour for this title.
January 1, 2025
another good story, but so many errors
Another interesting world created with good characters. Unfortunately, the book was again marked by internal and cultural inconsistencies as well as typos. This distracts from the story. It would be great if it were edited better. Also, it was fairly easy to work out the villains.
Another interesting world created with good characters. Unfortunately, the book was again marked by internal and cultural inconsistencies as well as typos. This distracts from the story. It would be great if it were edited better. Also, it was fairly easy to work out the villains.
June 18, 2025
Love the plots in all her books, the characters are believable …. However, for me, the main character just rubbed me the wrong way…. She come across as prideful, full of herself, thinking mostly of what she wants, regardless for the safety of others…..when the story line ended, I was glad I didn’t have to put up with her character anymore 🤣🤣
August 16, 2024
Good story line, again a little slow and the heroine is still deferring to the men even when she knows she is right. However the characters are well written and endearing. An enjoyable read. I am pursuing the rest of the books in the series as I am totally engaged with the characters.
August 22, 2024
Interesting plot. But a strange, disappointing and dissatisfying ending. What was the point of it?
October 4, 2024
brilliant storey
A real page turner. Couldn’t put it down and the story line was great, well researched and looking forward to her next book
A real page turner. Couldn’t put it down and the story line was great, well researched and looking forward to her next book
October 31, 2018
So, once more I’ve stumbled late into a series of cosy historical mysteries, and once more I’m left vowing to go back and catch up with the treasures I’ve missed early on in the series. The Bloomsbury Affair is the fifth in the Flora Maguire series by Anita Davison (though, a little confusingly, Flora is now Mrs Harrington rather than Miss Maguire, but that’s a minor detail).
In Edwardian England, former governess Flora Harrington is settled with her solicitor husband Bunny and they’re doing very nicely, thank you. Affluent, well-looked after by the staff, socially well-connected and with the delightful addition of a new baby, everything is going fine — until the arrival of Edward, Viscount Trent, a young man to whom Flora was formerly governess. Ed was on a train with a young man who was found murdered, and he’s the main suspect. Convinced that he can’t be guilty, Flora and Bunny, hampered by Ed and to the exasperation of the detective on the case, set out to prove his innocence.
What follows is a romp through Edwardian London involving the aristocracy, a mysterious interloper and a plot to inherit, all against the background of exiled Russian revolutionaries, including Lenin himself. The plot was twisty yet credible and kept me guessing all the way through. The historical background was cleverly done but not overdone, and somehow Davison manages to subsume her readers without them noticing, so that I felt I was sitting in the lobby of the Dahlia Hotel, or in the doctor’s waiting room in Cheltenham or wherever else she happened to take us.
The book’s greatest strength, however, is its characterisation. All of the main characters are well-drawn and entirely believable. Flora is slightly uncomfortable with the gulf she sees in social class yet human enough to enjoy her advantages, and the relationships between the main characters are wonderfully done. Flora’s interactions with chirpy maid Sally and aristocratic Ed both respect their individuality and yet keep within the social requirements of the times. And Flora’s relationship with Bunny is humorous and touching.
I’m a harsh critic and no book is ever perfect, but the only criticism I have with this one is minor. It’s part of a series and the author seemed to want to make sure we knew it, though actually it worked fine as a standalone. Early on in the book there were plenty of references to Flora’s previous adventures, which added nothing to the plot and served only to spoil a little of the mystery for me for when I go back and catch up with the others. But that’s a minor gripe. I’m looking forward to books one to four in the series — and I’m certainly looking forward to book six.
I received this book from Aria Fiction and Netgalley in return for an honest review.
In Edwardian England, former governess Flora Harrington is settled with her solicitor husband Bunny and they’re doing very nicely, thank you. Affluent, well-looked after by the staff, socially well-connected and with the delightful addition of a new baby, everything is going fine — until the arrival of Edward, Viscount Trent, a young man to whom Flora was formerly governess. Ed was on a train with a young man who was found murdered, and he’s the main suspect. Convinced that he can’t be guilty, Flora and Bunny, hampered by Ed and to the exasperation of the detective on the case, set out to prove his innocence.
What follows is a romp through Edwardian London involving the aristocracy, a mysterious interloper and a plot to inherit, all against the background of exiled Russian revolutionaries, including Lenin himself. The plot was twisty yet credible and kept me guessing all the way through. The historical background was cleverly done but not overdone, and somehow Davison manages to subsume her readers without them noticing, so that I felt I was sitting in the lobby of the Dahlia Hotel, or in the doctor’s waiting room in Cheltenham or wherever else she happened to take us.
The book’s greatest strength, however, is its characterisation. All of the main characters are well-drawn and entirely believable. Flora is slightly uncomfortable with the gulf she sees in social class yet human enough to enjoy her advantages, and the relationships between the main characters are wonderfully done. Flora’s interactions with chirpy maid Sally and aristocratic Ed both respect their individuality and yet keep within the social requirements of the times. And Flora’s relationship with Bunny is humorous and touching.
I’m a harsh critic and no book is ever perfect, but the only criticism I have with this one is minor. It’s part of a series and the author seemed to want to make sure we knew it, though actually it worked fine as a standalone. Early on in the book there were plenty of references to Flora’s previous adventures, which added nothing to the plot and served only to spoil a little of the mystery for me for when I go back and catch up with the others. But that’s a minor gripe. I’m looking forward to books one to four in the series — and I’m certainly looking forward to book six.
I received this book from Aria Fiction and Netgalley in return for an honest review.
November 23, 2018
The Bloomsbury Affair is a delectable tale of murder and mystery and I was hooked from the opening page and devoured each and every word. The writing is open and inviting, pulling you into its web of mystery and adventure. Flora Maguire is the perfect character at the helm to capture the attention of the reader and hold intrigue throughout the book. Her amateur detective skills are in need yet again when Viscount Edward Trent is under suspicion of committing murder, creating another sleuthing challenge to solve. These investigatory skills are top notch much to the exasperation of Detective Inspector Maddox and her husband Bunny. I love how at ease she is in a man's world of crime and order, with a ballsy and brave attitude adding an element of danger to the storyline. The detail orientated description of Flora's world, at the turn of the 20th Century, is vividly real allowing me to step inside the scenes and witness the mystery playing out before my eyes.
The characters in Flora's world are created with such style and flair and each played their part extremely well, adding to the historical setting of London in the early 1900s. Their profiles are unfurled bit by bit to entertain the mysterious plot and keep the suspense hanging until the final reveal in the concluding pages. This created a gripping hold in order to figure out the 'who done it' aspect of the story.
The Bloomsbury Affair is a well written book, packed full of research and detail. I thought the plot played out extremely well and served to maintain interest and suspense for the reader. As this is the first book I have read of this series, I'm keen to read the remaining books in order to don my amateur detective hat for longer. It's safe to say I'm very much looking forward to spending more time in the company of Flora, in all her sleuthing glory.
The characters in Flora's world are created with such style and flair and each played their part extremely well, adding to the historical setting of London in the early 1900s. Their profiles are unfurled bit by bit to entertain the mysterious plot and keep the suspense hanging until the final reveal in the concluding pages. This created a gripping hold in order to figure out the 'who done it' aspect of the story.
The Bloomsbury Affair is a well written book, packed full of research and detail. I thought the plot played out extremely well and served to maintain interest and suspense for the reader. As this is the first book I have read of this series, I'm keen to read the remaining books in order to don my amateur detective hat for longer. It's safe to say I'm very much looking forward to spending more time in the company of Flora, in all her sleuthing glory.
November 26, 2018
I love this series!
Flora Harrington is upset when Bunny, her husband, arrives late and somewhat dishevelled for the dinner party they are hosting for Flora’s mother, Alice and father William. Flora had hoped that by inviting them to a dinner party, they might get reacquainted and even rekindle their love. Some twenty years earlier, William’s family had forbidden them to marry, forcing Alice to marry Riordan Maguire. The marriage was a disaster, with Alice disappearing and her disappearance being explained to Flora, as a young child, that she had died. Fate has reunited Flora with both parents quite recently, and the dinner party is taking them all a step closer to healing old wounds.
Bunny is preoccupied throughout the meal. It’s only after the guests have departed that Flora discovers that Viscount Edward (Ed) Trent arrived, very agitated and upset as the person he’d been sharing his train compartment with had been murdered, and the police suspect that he is the murderer.
It is up to Flora and Bunny to ensure that Detective Inspector Maddox doesn’t arrest Ed, To ensure that justice is done, Flora decides to investigate the murder herself.
This is the second book I’ve read in the series, and I once again found myself falling for the sheer opulence of aristocratic Britain in the early 1900s. Flora has a genteel nature hiding a rod of steel and a dogged investigative mind. However, it’s not just Flora who shines, it’s also her very patient, helpful husband Bunny, Stokes, the butler and Flora’s lady’s maid, Sally.
Anita Davison captures the period perfectly through her very descriptive writing. Hopefully, it will not be too long before I can once again enter this world of “upstairs and downstairs”.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Flora Harrington is upset when Bunny, her husband, arrives late and somewhat dishevelled for the dinner party they are hosting for Flora’s mother, Alice and father William. Flora had hoped that by inviting them to a dinner party, they might get reacquainted and even rekindle their love. Some twenty years earlier, William’s family had forbidden them to marry, forcing Alice to marry Riordan Maguire. The marriage was a disaster, with Alice disappearing and her disappearance being explained to Flora, as a young child, that she had died. Fate has reunited Flora with both parents quite recently, and the dinner party is taking them all a step closer to healing old wounds.
Bunny is preoccupied throughout the meal. It’s only after the guests have departed that Flora discovers that Viscount Edward (Ed) Trent arrived, very agitated and upset as the person he’d been sharing his train compartment with had been murdered, and the police suspect that he is the murderer.
It is up to Flora and Bunny to ensure that Detective Inspector Maddox doesn’t arrest Ed, To ensure that justice is done, Flora decides to investigate the murder herself.
This is the second book I’ve read in the series, and I once again found myself falling for the sheer opulence of aristocratic Britain in the early 1900s. Flora has a genteel nature hiding a rod of steel and a dogged investigative mind. However, it’s not just Flora who shines, it’s also her very patient, helpful husband Bunny, Stokes, the butler and Flora’s lady’s maid, Sally.
Anita Davison captures the period perfectly through her very descriptive writing. Hopefully, it will not be too long before I can once again enter this world of “upstairs and downstairs”.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
January 10, 2019
I enjoyed the first four mystery novels in Ms.Davison’s Flora Maguire series and also enjoyed her new novel, The Bloomsbury Affair, Book Five.
Flora and her husband Bunny’s love is heart-warming. Although Bunny has misgivings about his wife being an amateur sleuth, he is always there for her.
When Bunny arrives too late to dine with guests Flora is annoyed. After they leave Bunny fetches Eddy, a viscount, whose governess she had been before her marriage. Flora is shocked by his appearance. “His eyes were red-rimmed. His suit was crumpled as if he had slept in it, and his collar half undone and his hair stuck up on ech side.
Eddy had arrived at Bunny’s legal practice in the afternoon. On Eddy’s way to London from Cheltenham he was in a coach on a train with another man. When the train arrived at Paddington Eddy tried to wake him up and realized he had been murdered. A guard saw Eddy’s blood-stained hands and assumed Ed was the murderer. Terrified, Eddy ran away.
Now, the question is whether Flora will be able to find out who committed the crime.
Ms Davison is an accomplished novelist. I always enjoy her descriptions of the locations in her novels. For example:-
In Cheltenham “Flora and Bunny set off through the streets lined with houses built in the Georgian style fore which the town was famous. Wrought iron railings enclosed neat, narrow gardens where daffodils, tulips and purple crocuses proliferated. Ancient trees formed a canopy punctuated with shafts of spring sunlight onto the packed dirt road.”
All the ends were neatly tied up at the end of the book which I closed with a deep, satisfied sigh.
February 4, 2019
Anita Davison is back with a fifth Flora Maguire mystery in The Bloomsbury Affair. This time its her younger cousin Viscount Edward Trent who the one being investigated. While on a train to Paddington to visit his sister, Ed shares a compartment with a young gentleman, when it’s time to leave the train Ed finds the man dead and the police think he’s to blame. Panicked he runs to Flora’s house where he hopes her, and husband Bunny will help clear his name before he’s sent to jail.
As the mystery and Flora encounters a haberdashery in a Cheltenham, an elderly army officer and a trendy new hotel its clear that Ed hasn’t been totally honest with them about his connections to the dead man. Can Flora solve the mystery without putting herself in danger again?
I loved the latest Flora Maguire novel I read which introduced me to Flora, her husband Bunny and her estranged parents and other members of her family and household. The book continues the storylines from that book, so it gave the mystery a comforting feel as many of the characters I had previously connected with were involved. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous books though you’ll soon figure out who’s who and the storyline so far.
I did find the mystery part of this book slow to get going but Flora soon finds herself in a tangled mess as Anita Davison slowly lets the story unfurl and more and more connections are made between the characters we are introduced to. Each of her characters are well developed and I can clearly visualise them.
If you’re a lover of historical mysteries then I can highly recommend this novel, it has realistic characters a great storyline and plenty of historical details.
As the mystery and Flora encounters a haberdashery in a Cheltenham, an elderly army officer and a trendy new hotel its clear that Ed hasn’t been totally honest with them about his connections to the dead man. Can Flora solve the mystery without putting herself in danger again?
I loved the latest Flora Maguire novel I read which introduced me to Flora, her husband Bunny and her estranged parents and other members of her family and household. The book continues the storylines from that book, so it gave the mystery a comforting feel as many of the characters I had previously connected with were involved. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous books though you’ll soon figure out who’s who and the storyline so far.
I did find the mystery part of this book slow to get going but Flora soon finds herself in a tangled mess as Anita Davison slowly lets the story unfurl and more and more connections are made between the characters we are introduced to. Each of her characters are well developed and I can clearly visualise them.
If you’re a lover of historical mysteries then I can highly recommend this novel, it has realistic characters a great storyline and plenty of historical details.
September 7, 2018
1905 London was a tough place for women. There was disdain for any woman getting into the professions and the suffrage movement had started. Most men wanted women restricted strictly to hearth and home.
Flora and Bunny were a different kind of couple. Fortunately. Flora was a modern young woman who had come out of a complicated family drama where she found a long lost family of both her mother and father and lost the much loved father she ever knew. Flora and Bunny have previously solved two murders both baffling to the police but the Inspector in charge is wary of them and what he calls their amateur sleuthing.
Now the family is facing the scandal of their cousin the young, arrogant Viscount Trent being embroiled in a murder where he is the only suspect. Getting him out of this mess is flora's work ably supported by her husband. A seemingly innocuous young man found murdered in a railway carriage whilst the Viscount lay sleeping by him seems very difficult to believe. Unraveling the mystery was the story.
Set in a London which was both picturesque and. Rey interesting to read about, the writer takes us on a journey through both the rich and famous and how they live, to the political tensions simmering underneath at the unfairness of it all.
This was a. Dry absorbing read.
Flora and Bunny were a different kind of couple. Fortunately. Flora was a modern young woman who had come out of a complicated family drama where she found a long lost family of both her mother and father and lost the much loved father she ever knew. Flora and Bunny have previously solved two murders both baffling to the police but the Inspector in charge is wary of them and what he calls their amateur sleuthing.
Now the family is facing the scandal of their cousin the young, arrogant Viscount Trent being embroiled in a murder where he is the only suspect. Getting him out of this mess is flora's work ably supported by her husband. A seemingly innocuous young man found murdered in a railway carriage whilst the Viscount lay sleeping by him seems very difficult to believe. Unraveling the mystery was the story.
Set in a London which was both picturesque and. Rey interesting to read about, the writer takes us on a journey through both the rich and famous and how they live, to the political tensions simmering underneath at the unfairness of it all.
This was a. Dry absorbing read.
November 28, 2018
It was a delight to be introduced to Flora’s world as this is my first of hers.
I couldn’t say no to a mystery and as a big historical fiction fan, I was sure this was the book for me.
It wasn’t easy for me to get into the book at first, felt there were so many characters and names which I’m sure were introduced in the first books of the series and I felt I am missing out on some traits of them.
But still, I was told this could be read as a standalone and it is certainly so.
Set in 1900’s, a murder investigation where our Protagonist Flora have set to make things right and assist her friend, Viscount Edward who was accused of this murder.
Well written with relatable characters. I find that I have I loved Bunny’s character the most, who was Flora’s husband, as he made the book quite enjoyable as a sidekick. My issue was it was a bit slow at times or maybe I was just impatient to know what just happened.
I certainly do recommend reading it and I feel like I need to get and check out the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review
I couldn’t say no to a mystery and as a big historical fiction fan, I was sure this was the book for me.
It wasn’t easy for me to get into the book at first, felt there were so many characters and names which I’m sure were introduced in the first books of the series and I felt I am missing out on some traits of them.
But still, I was told this could be read as a standalone and it is certainly so.
Set in 1900’s, a murder investigation where our Protagonist Flora have set to make things right and assist her friend, Viscount Edward who was accused of this murder.
Well written with relatable characters. I find that I have I loved Bunny’s character the most, who was Flora’s husband, as he made the book quite enjoyable as a sidekick. My issue was it was a bit slow at times or maybe I was just impatient to know what just happened.
I certainly do recommend reading it and I feel like I need to get and check out the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review
September 30, 2018
"The Bloomsbury Affair" is a mystery set in 1905 in London. It's the fifth book in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to follow this one. However, the characters referred to events in the previous novels and spoiled the previous mysteries.
The characters were interesting and acted realistically. Historical details (like politics, technology, etc.) were woven into the story. The mystery was clue-based, and I realized whodunit before Flora did. Unfortunately, Flora's active investigation of the murder didn't significantly change the ending except by putting several people's lives in danger. The Detective uncovered one of the criminal pair by himself, and I suspect he would have discovered the other if Flora hadn't hidden critical evidence from him. I felt like Flora actually stood in the way of justice this time. And the murderer was not captured by the end. Basically, I found the mystery unsatisfying.
There were no sex scenes. There were only a couple uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
The characters were interesting and acted realistically. Historical details (like politics, technology, etc.) were woven into the story. The mystery was clue-based, and I realized whodunit before Flora did. Unfortunately, Flora's active investigation of the murder didn't significantly change the ending except by putting several people's lives in danger. The Detective uncovered one of the criminal pair by himself, and I suspect he would have discovered the other if Flora hadn't hidden critical evidence from him. I felt like Flora actually stood in the way of justice this time. And the murderer was not captured by the end. Basically, I found the mystery unsatisfying.
There were no sex scenes. There were only a couple uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 30, 2018
If you enjoy a good mystery with a surprise or two along the way, then this is a must-read for you.
In the early twentieth century, we find Flora happily married and with a new baby to enjoy. However, old habits die hard and when her previous charge looks set to be arrested for murder, Flora sets outs to find out the truth despite dire warnings from her old adversary, Inspector Maddox.
This is a very entertaining read, true to the time it's set in. Not only is the mystery attention-grabbing, but the extra details about life at that time add to the overall story. Nor are things straightforward; there are several twists and turns along the way adding to the tension - not to mention the whopping big shocker waiting in the wings! Truly enjoyable, but I was disappointed that so much detail was given about previous novels in the series making it futile to go back and read from the beginning. I have, however, enjoyed this one so much that I will definitely be looking forward to the next book.
In the early twentieth century, we find Flora happily married and with a new baby to enjoy. However, old habits die hard and when her previous charge looks set to be arrested for murder, Flora sets outs to find out the truth despite dire warnings from her old adversary, Inspector Maddox.
This is a very entertaining read, true to the time it's set in. Not only is the mystery attention-grabbing, but the extra details about life at that time add to the overall story. Nor are things straightforward; there are several twists and turns along the way adding to the tension - not to mention the whopping big shocker waiting in the wings! Truly enjoyable, but I was disappointed that so much detail was given about previous novels in the series making it futile to go back and read from the beginning. I have, however, enjoyed this one so much that I will definitely be looking forward to the next book.
December 2, 2018
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I really enjoy this series so I was delighted to see that a new book had been released!
I love Flora and it was brilliant reading about her again in this one. Her interaction with the other characters were great and I thoroughly enjoyed every page – and I have to say I do love Bunny too – she definitely deserves a mention!
The writing style was excellent and the book flowed very well. It was a real page turner for me and I was hooked! I love a good historical fiction story and this was certainly one of those. It also reads fine as a stand alone.
Five stars from me, another brilliant adventure with Flora Maguire!!
I really enjoy this series so I was delighted to see that a new book had been released!
I love Flora and it was brilliant reading about her again in this one. Her interaction with the other characters were great and I thoroughly enjoyed every page – and I have to say I do love Bunny too – she definitely deserves a mention!
The writing style was excellent and the book flowed very well. It was a real page turner for me and I was hooked! I love a good historical fiction story and this was certainly one of those. It also reads fine as a stand alone.
Five stars from me, another brilliant adventure with Flora Maguire!!
September 27, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an eARC of this book for an honest review.
I didn't realise that this book was one of a series - that I hadn't read before - so when I was reading it, I thought it had just begun in the middle of something and there were certain aspects of Flora's personal life that I found I couldn't grasp really well. I do understand that not having read the previous books, I am missing out on quite a bit. This didn't hinder the main plot of this story though, which was the murder in which Flora's dear Eddy was embroiled in. That part was definitely easy to keep up with and it was very interesting to read about.
I didn't realise that this book was one of a series - that I hadn't read before - so when I was reading it, I thought it had just begun in the middle of something and there were certain aspects of Flora's personal life that I found I couldn't grasp really well. I do understand that not having read the previous books, I am missing out on quite a bit. This didn't hinder the main plot of this story though, which was the murder in which Flora's dear Eddy was embroiled in. That part was definitely easy to keep up with and it was very interesting to read about.
November 20, 2018
In 1905 London, Viscount Trent has arrived from Cheltenham via rail only to discover that his travelling companion is dead, presumably murdered. He makes his escape, and go to his cousins, Flora and Bunny Harrington for help. Obviously Inspector Maddox believes him to be, at the moment, the prime suspect.
An enjoyable well-written cozy historical mystery, with its well-drawn characters. Another good addition to the series. Though I was not especially taken with the Viscount with its seems his sense of entitlement although it a reflection of the times. Flora also seems to have picked up to some degree this trait.
An enjoyable well-written cozy historical mystery, with its well-drawn characters. Another good addition to the series. Though I was not especially taken with the Viscount with its seems his sense of entitlement although it a reflection of the times. Flora also seems to have picked up to some degree this trait.
November 18, 2018
A very nice, enjoyable and entertaining historical mystery.
I loved the cast characters, all are well developed and intereting. Flora is great character and Bunny a great counterpart.
The mystery was good, it kept hooked till the last page.
There're some slower part but it's an enjoyable and fun read.
The historical background is well researched and I liked the way the women condition was described.
I look forward to the next instalment in this series and will surely look for the previous ones.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Aria and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the cast characters, all are well developed and intereting. Flora is great character and Bunny a great counterpart.
The mystery was good, it kept hooked till the last page.
There're some slower part but it's an enjoyable and fun read.
The historical background is well researched and I liked the way the women condition was described.
I look forward to the next instalment in this series and will surely look for the previous ones.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Aria and Netgalley for this ARC
November 22, 2018
This is the third book in this series I have read and I was happy to return to Flora’s world. As with the other books, you can’t help get swept along by the mystery. Anita Davison is an expert at recreating the past and immersing the reader in it. The settings are so well visualised and the characters so colourful that you feel as if you have walked the streets of Edwardian England with people you have come to know well.
December 5, 2018
Lovely book
Really enjoyed reading this series of flora Maguire mysteries read the first one didn't know what to expect but was hooked hope there are others to follow
Really enjoyed reading this series of flora Maguire mysteries read the first one didn't know what to expect but was hooked hope there are others to follow
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